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Route 66 Association of Illinois

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The President’s View Fall 2009

September 30, 2009 By Cathie Stevanovich

Greetings from the road!

Our 20th Anniversary Motor Tour started out in the rain but by our first passport stop it was sun, sun, sun. Huge thanks to all our officers and board members who made this year’s tour so special. Each board member was responsible for activities in their county and worked hard to make their county shine. The Hall of Fame dinner at the Crowne Plaza had a record number of Hall of Fame member responses and we welcomed the Crossroads Diner, Statesville Prison, The Mill in Lincoln and Sprague’s Super Service into our Hall of Fame.

The food was good, the company fabulous and we thoroughly enjoyed the visit of Abe Lincoln. A special thanks to John and Kathy Miller and Lou and Rosie Vargo who donated our Route 66 raffle grand prize (DVD player and Route 66 DVDs). Thank You!

Next year’s tour planning is already in process – if you’d like to be involved, please email Jerry Law at thelaw1@sbcglobal.net or he can also be reached at (618) 251-4892. We start south next year and the plans are to start in Missouri and come back into Illinois crossing three historic bridges! Next year’s dates are June 11, 12 and 13!

Preservation is our “business” – we need to continue to get the word out on how great Illinois is and how much of the original road we have. We had a tremendous turnout during the Wall Dogs / Summer Bash weekend in June in Pontiac. Over 160 sign painters traveled to Pontiac to paint 18 murals and raise money for local charities and also to leave a fund behind to pay for mural maintenance. The museum had over 400 visitors that weekend. When I’m volunteering at the Museum, my favorite words to hear are, “Wow – I never knew this was here!” And, “Years ago, your father and I…” and such phrases that start an interaction between families, friends and the sharing of stories by complete strangers.

The website calendar is full of places to go and people to see on the road. Get out, take a day and hit the road! Support  the communities along the road so they can stay viable.

Many of our neighbors are struggling with job loss, health issues and stress. We, the entire family of Route 66, need to look out for one another. I had a teacher years ago who said if you ask for something – make sure you ask BIG. So before your head hits the pillow tonight or you get into your car and hit the road – talk a little gratitude – and then ask for mercy for those facing tough times physically, financially and mentally. Together we can make it. Route 66 stood for a new day, a new chance, a new beginning. Let’s believe for each other only the best!

See you on the road!

Cathie

Filed Under: The President's View

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Donations Fuel Our Mission!

Your donation to our Association helps support our efforts to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. We are a volunteer organization; 100% of donations are allocated to preservation efforts along the Mother Road in Illinois (never to administrative or housekeeping expenses). We thank you for your generous donation toward maintaining our nostalgic slice of Americana.


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